STEPHEN Ward believes his international teammates Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady have been 'great additions' for Burnley.

The trio are away with the Republic of Ireland this week ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Friday and the Dublin friendly with Iceland on Tuesday.

After Ireland's impressive Euro 2016 displays, which saw them reach the last 16 before a narrow defeat to hosts France, Ward was initially joined at Turf Moor by Hendrick who arrived on a club record deal from Derby County.

But Hendrick's role as the Clarets' record buy lasted less than six months before his best mate Brady signed for £13million from Norwich City in January, taking the Ireland contingent at Burnley up to three.

"It’s nice bringing Robbie and Jeff in, it’s been great throughout the season," said Ward.

"They performed unbelievably well for Ireland in the European Championships last summer, they were very sought after so for us to get them here is a big plus for us as a squad and they’ve been great additions on and off the pitch.

"It’s always to come into a new dressing room if there’s a few familiar faces and Robbie has known Jeffrey for years, growing up together and playing football back home, so they’re really close and I think that’s helped him settle really quickly."

While Brady is suspended for the crucial qualifier with Wales, Ward and Hendrick are available for Marton O'Neill's side.

And Ward is full of praise for the qualities his international teammates have brought to Turf Moor since they arrived.

"Jeff’s a big, powerful midfielder, he’s added real strength in depth to our midfield. He’s got a real presence and he can get goals as well," he said.

"Robbie showed that against Chelsea with his set-piece ability and he's got that extra factor that can win you a game out of nothing."

It is set to remain a trio of Republic of Ireland internationals at Turf Moor as well, with Ward extending his stay at Burnley for a further year earlier this season.

Having signed before the start of the last Premier League campaign he has enjoyed his journey with the club and believes the club are continuing to grow in strength, with Premier League survival over the final nine games crucial to that.

"It’s been a great journey since I signed and getting promoted last year after the disappointment of the first season in the Premier League," the 31-year-old said of his time at the club.

"The club is going from strength to strength. You look at the new training ground on the way and the kind of players we’re attracting.

"It’s an honour to be here and if we can finish the season well and stay in the Premier League it will be massive for us all."